The sixteenth Annual Queensland Supply Chain Conference proved to be a powerful and entertaining event. A long history or presenting outstanding events creates expectations of excellence and this year the organizing Team again exceeded those expectations.
The unique environment marries fun, genuine enjoyment, real learning and exploration, alongside value generating personal and business opportunities. Networking is easy (no
"sweatworking" here!) and productive. To cap it off there is authentic social responsibility through fund raising for people in need.
Hayden Marshalls presentation will have an ongoing impact on me and other Conference participants. A real highlight!
I was spellbound as Air Commodore Hayden Marshall described the planning and dangerous operations involved in the redeployment of Australian Troops and equipment from
Afghanistan. It was hard for me to imagine how Logisticians could diligently apply Logistics processes so successfully in a life and death environment. We must ensure we support and nurture these outstanding people! Makes you proud to be an Australian and a Logistics person!
Steve Simpson another real highlight!
The other theme that excited and enthused me was the focus on people in Supply Chains. Steve Simpson presented new ideas on "Unwritten Ground Rules" (UGR’s) in organisations. His real world practical examples, and ability to involve all members of the audience, evidence Steve an s a master thinker and performer. I will ADAPT my own outlook to CONNECT with others in a more meaningful way based on the UGR Session.
Mark Schenk also a real highpoint for me!
The Session on Unleashing Your Story Telling Superpower knocked me right out! Mark Schenk describes himself as a "Ringmaster", and he is right! I have been intrigued for a long time by story telling as a persuasive and productive methodology. Mark discussed the ways and means of storytelling with practical examples, good humour, and inimitable style. Seems nearly everyone has the capacity to be a good storyteller if you first understand the principles and processes. Needs some effort and exploration but well worth giving it a try.
Gary Carroll was a stimulating and innovative force for practitioners in the real world of Supply Chains and Logistics
Gary Carroll, Group Logistics Manager Super retail Group, presented a thought provoking discussion on how they have transformed the Super Retail Group Supply Chains to adapt to changing customer expectations and increased competition over the past three years. In particular I was impressed by the approaches taken in DC Network design, freight models and supplier management, and the challenges experienced in organisational change management in a multi-brand organisation. I was stunned to learn the Super Retail Group has annual revenues in excess of $2 billion dollars!
In my own Panel Session dealing with Disruptive Technologies I was interested to learn from the Audience (using the excellent Conference APP):
- A number of people (albeit a small number) are concerned they will lose their job because of technologies progressing in their work place.
- The majority are concerned about the risks and danger associated with technologies.
Overall another brilliant, cost effective and value generating Conference in a truly enjoyable environment. Don’t miss the 2016 Conference!
David Doherty OAM
To find out more about the 2015 Queensland Supply Chain & Logistics Conference, simply send an email or visit www.qldscc.com
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